Monks, Luang Prabang, Laos

Monks rise early to make their morning procession through Luang Prabang’s temples to receive alms. Our cultural journey across Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia begins in Luang Prabang, a World Heritage Site of gilded temples.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

display information about this photo

Indochine

Historic Luang Prabang, Magical Halong Bay, and the Ancient Temples of Angkor Wat

Please note we are offering a special Indochine Photoshop Workshop: Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia, with Ben Willmore, November 29-December 12, 2009.

Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun, straw-roofed sampans drifting down tranquil rivers, ornate royal capitals, shy young monks draped in saffron-colored robes—Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia present a world of stunning beauty and vibrant traditional cultures. Our journey brings us into the heart of Indochine for cultural encounters with its mosaic of peoples, whom we meet in their villages, schools, homes, and temples. We find Indochine at its most irresistible in settings like Luang Prabang, the heart of the old Lao kingdom, in breathtaking Halong Bay, with its emerald waters and stunning rock formations, and in Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 17th century trading port, a World Heritage Site. Our journey ends at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples.

Highlights

  • Luang Prabang, an ancient town of temples on the Mekong
  • Angkor Wat, one of humankind’s most outstanding architectural achievements
  • Breathtaking Halong Bay, the charming port of Hoi An, and Hanoi

Details

  • 16-day trip begins in Luang Prabang, Laos and ends in Angkor Wat, Cambodia
  • 14 nights in deluxe hotels, 1 night aboard private traditional junk
  • All meals included except 3 dinners
  • Overland travel with walking tours

Tour Costs

$4995 (14-16 guests)
$5295 (11-13 guests)
$5495 (7-10 guests)

Single supplement: $1295
Internal airfare: $740 (subject to change)

Prices are for Fall 2009 / Winter 2010

Departures & Leaders

Oct 24-Nov 8, 2009  Andrew Forbes
Nov 7-22, 2009  Mathew Smith
Dec 19, 2009-Jan 3, 2010  Max Holland
Dec 29, 2009-Jan 13, 2010  Mathew Smith
Jan 16-31, 2010  Andrew Forbes
Feb 13-28, 2010  Mathew Smith
Nov 6-21, 2010
Dec 18, 2010-Jan 2, 2011
Dec 23, 2010-Jan 7, 2011
Jan 15-30, 2011
Feb 12-27, 2011

*Note: November 29 – December 12, 2009 is a Special Indochine Photoshop Workshop

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Indochine route-map

Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos

In Luang Prabang, an ancient royal capital, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit temples dating to the 15th century, and boat up the Mekong River to explore a Buddhist pilgrimage site. We visit hilltribe villages, then fly to Hanoi on Day 4.

Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam

An elegant capital in the Red River Delta, Hanoi has a wealth of wonders, from its 15th century Old Quarter to the impressive Temple of Literature, Opera House, and artisan galleries.

Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a magnificent World Heritage Site of stunning rock formations and limestone islands. We cruise this ethereal setting in our private traditional junk, with an overnight aboard to capture evening and early morning vistas.

Days 8-9
Hue

In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, and roam the Dong Ba Market.

Days 10-12
Hoi An / Saigon

A coastal drive bring us to Hoi An, with its mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture built during its 17th century heyday as a trading port in silk and porcelain. In Saigon, we visit the historic Reunification Palace.

Days 13-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia

We explore Angkor Wat, a magnificent monument to Khmer civilization, with its hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across a tropical landscape. Depart from Siem Reap on the afternoon of Day 16.